Cubanismo

This is the "feel good" album of the year. The Latin vibe o­n this disc makes you want to jump up and praise the music powers that such talented musicians can perform at such a feverish pitch. "Cubanismo launched the new popularity of Cuban music in 1996 with the release of its self-titled debut album. Their subsequent tours brought Latin music in classic Cuban form to audiences all over the world", says their producer, Joe Boyd. The band's leader, Jesus Alemany, has assembled a phenomenal group of musicians as he balances "the traditional forms of Cuban dance music while injecting a modern vision and international outlook." Included are two tracks from "Mardi Gras Mambo", recorded at the Boiler Room, New Orleans, Louisiana and featuring some of New Orleans Jazz greats. Two other tunes worthy of notice are previously unreleased covers of Bob Marley and Peter Tosh's "Get Up, Stand Up" (with legendary Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin) and Marley's "Could You Be Loved" (featuring vocals from reggae singer Luciano). A wonderful blending of these two island styles adds a smooth flavour to this first class compilation CD recorded at Egrem Studios, Havana, Cuba between May, 1995 and August, 2001. For those with a true appreciation of Latin music, this record is an absolute must for your
collection.